By TalllPaul

The embargo has now been lifted like opening the curtains in a dark room then the sun outside blinding you, here is a mini round up, feel free to add add and add any I haven't added.

Joystiq: 4/5 - Need for Speed: Most Wanted is the next Burnout game fans have clamoring for - it may not say so on the box, but everything about it screams Burnout. The feel of the cars, the physics and the eclectic mix of multiplayer modes are all undeniably Criterion qualities, the things old fans love and the properties that convert new fans with every studio release. If you enjoy Criterion's work, or arcade racing in general, head on down to Fairhaven. Just keep an eye on the rear-view.

Destructoid: 8.5/10 - Fans of Criterion's previous games were clear in what they wanted, and in turn, Criterion themselves were clear in what they were making. There are some scrapes with single-player and a lack of polish here and there, but the multiplayer delivers in such a big way that all of this hardly matters. Need for Speed Most Wanted is that big, crazy, crash-y open-world racer you've been asking for.

Polygon: 8.5/10 - Need for Speed Most Wanted is marred somewhat by a fussy, restrictive and self-defeating interface. But it's one of the best racing games of 2012 regardless. And if Criterion's track record of post-release support with Burnout Paradise is any indication, it will only improve over time. Criterion has proven itself as a steward of one of gaming's oldest and most beloved brands, and also as creative game makers in their own right.

Eurogamer: 8/10 - Its sense of character may be not be as forceful as Criterion's other games - but the sense of competition that informs it, the joy of discovery and the plain pleasure of driving haven't been dimmed in the slightest. This isn't quite paradise, but it comes very close.

OXM UK: 8/10 - Most Wanted is thus a compelling argument not just for Criterion's continued stewardship of Need for Speed - assuming Hot Pursuit left you in any doubt on that front - but for the reproduction of those inescapable, irresistible online features across rival genres.

ShopTo: No score - If you're a racing fan or petrol head of any sort then Criterion's Need for Speed really should be on your Most Wanted list. It's an incredible, feature packed game which will keep you busy until the next game in the series and beyond. Get this in your console, start your engines and prepare for another taste of paradise, albeit a slightly different one.

^^ Above copied from CVG

Below by me:

IGN: 9/10 - As with all sandbox games the narrative is of your own making but this is even more true of Most Wanted. The side-effect is that it can feel aimless at times. If you desire structure, if you wanted a game to be meted out to you, you might find its instant freedom somewhat overwhelming. But Most Wanted is all about deviation and deviance. It’s the racing game for people who don’t tend to like racing games. You’re not punished for missing that apex or abandoning that nagging racing line. It’s undoubtedly one of the year’s most exhilarating experiences.

Nowgamer 9.5/10 - Burnout Paradise 2.0 is a lazy reference, but we’re going use it anyway. In fact, we probably should’ve started this review with that and avoided the 800 words of filler. Still, Need For Speed: Most Wanted is easily the best arcade racer this generation.

Accepted Solution

Problem Solved

I loved burnout paradise but haven't bought a racing game since. will this game be worth jumping back into racing, I was thinking about holding off as I'm getting ACIII, halo 4 and bloops 2 in the space of 2 weeks?